Five teams and more than two years without scoring a goal: Damián Pizarro's heavy backpack to relaunch his career at Audax

Damián Pizarro returned to Chilean football after more than two years away, making his debut with Audax Italiano during a match against Universidad de Concepción in the Region of Biobío. The 21-year-old forward had last played in the national league on June 2, 2024, when he was part of Colo Colo’s team before moving to Europe. His return comes after a period spent abroad with clubs in Italy, France, and Argentina, none of which provided him with consistent playing time. The agreement for Pizarro's loan move to Audax Italiano was confirmed officially on Wednesday following earlier indications from coach Patricio Graff. Pizarro made his first appearance for the club on Friday, coming on in the 66th minute as a substitute for Paolo Guajardo in Audax’s hard-fought victory over Universidad de Concepción. The game took place at the Bicentenario stadium in La Florida, where Pizarro watched the previous week’s match from the stands, confirming his impending move. Pizarro’s absence from the Chilean league has been extensive. He left for Udinese in Italy in early 2024, where he appeared in three matches, two in Serie A and one in the Coppa Italia, accumulating just 40 minutes of playing time. His performance there did not secure a regular spot, leading to a subsequent loan to Le Havre in France. However, this stint proved brief, with Pizarro managing only 26 minutes in two Ligue 1 games before the loan was terminated early. Didier Digard, the head coach of Le Havre at the time, expressed dissatisfaction with Pizarro’s fit within the team’s style. He noted that Pizarro’s approach as a striker did not align with the club’s requirements, emphasizing that the player needed to adapt better to their tactical demands. After leaving France, Pizarro moved to Argentina, joining Racing Club on loan. There, he played six matches across the Argentine Primera División, Copa Sudamericana, and Copa Argentina, totaling 190 minutes and contributing one assist. Despite this increased involvement compared to his European stints, he still failed to establish himself as a key player, and his loan ended after six months. Now back in Chile, Pizarro faces the challenge of reviving his career with Audax Italiano. This marks his fifth different club since turning professional, having previously played for Colo Colo, Udinese, Le Havre, and Racing. His return comes amid interest from Colo Colo during the summer transfer window, who sought alternatives for Javier Correa but ultimately signed Maximiliano Romero instead. Audax Italiano’s management sees Pizarro as a potential asset, particularly given his youth and the need for depth in attack. Coach Patricio Graff praised his effort during his debut, stating that Pizarro delivered exactly what the team required in a difficult match scenario. The club has secured his services through a loan deal with Udinese until June 2027, indicating a long-term commitment to integrating him into the squad. Pizarro’s journey highlights the challenges faced by young players seeking to make an impact abroad. While his time in Europe offered exposure to top-tier leagues, it also underscored the difficulties of securing regular playing opportunities. Now back in South America, he must prove that he can translate his experience into consistent performances for Audax Italiano. His return to Chile coincides with a season in which Audax Italiano aims to strengthen its position in the league. With Pizarro’s arrival, the club hopes to add depth to its attacking options, especially as they prepare for the second half of the season. Whether he can find the net again and help Audax achieve its goals will depend on how quickly he adapts to the demands of the Chilean league and the expectations placed upon him.